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Review: The Beast

Rhage and Mary return in a new novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, a series “so popular, I don’t think there’s a reader today who hasn’t at least heard of [it]” (USA Today).

Nothing is as it used to be for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. After avoiding war with the Shadows, alliances have shifted and lines have been drawn. The slayers of the Lessening Society are stronger than ever, preying on human weakness to acquire more money, more weapons, more power. But as the Brotherhood readies for an all-out attack on them, one of their own fights a battle within himself…

For Rhage, the Brother with the biggest appetites, but also the biggest heart, life was supposed to be perfect—or at the very least, perfectly enjoyable. Mary, his beloved shellan, is by his side and his King and his brothers are thriving. But Rhage can’t understand—or control—the panic and insecurity that plague him…

And that terrifies him—as well as distances him from his mate. After suffering mortal injury in battle, Rhage must reassess his priorities—and the answer, when it comes to him, rocks his world…and Mary’s. But Mary is on a journey of her own, one that will either bring them closer together or cause a split that neither will recover from…

Warning! Mild spoilers below.

After the events that occurred in The Shadows, I hoped The Beast would lift my spirits up. Boy, was I right because J.R. Ward once again stirred my emotions and melted my heart!

Not going to lie but when I first read Rhage and Mary‘s first story, Lover Eternal, I did not become a fan of that pairing. However, after reading The Beast, I’m starting to have a change of opinion especially after such a beautiful emotional story.

If you’ve read The Shadows then you should have seen the foreshadowing that there was something wrong with Rhage. It is as though he’s suffering from survivor’s guilt and its something Rhage does not want to tell Mary so he won’t worry her. Although, Mary herself is also facing struggles and doubts about herself after the death of a woman at the center. Not only that but Mary’s worried she won’t be able to help the woman’s grieving child to open up to her. However, before a bigger rift can be formed Rhage rushes straight into danger i a lesser operation where he nearly looses his life.

One thing I loved about J.R. Ward is the subplots she creates in The Black Dagger Brotherhood series because that means more future novels! The subplots in The Beast were thrilling as ever with old and new recurring characters. Characters such as Throe who’s involed in a new conspiracy going on in the Glymera along with his new lover. Assail, who’s asked by Wrath into being his spy inside the Glymera while also facing his addictions. Also, let’s not forget Xcor and Layla who’s story it seems is going to take awhile. Finally, there’s a new subplot involving a human woman who doesn’t believe in vampires after hearing of stories and videos on You Tube. Don’t worry, you’ll understand the purpose of this subplot at the end and it was surprising.

Overall, The Beast was a wonderful installment of The Black Dagger Brotherhood series! It felt good to be reunited with my favorite characters of the series. For those of you who are following the series, you’ll love it! For those of you who have never opened a Black Dagger Brotherhood book, I recommend this series because you won’t put the book down until the end.